tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68107148647650998202018-03-05T22:59:03.849-05:00A Knitting NurseKnitting through life.Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.comBlogger1212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-8958362939091906402013-12-27T19:13:00.000-05:002013-12-27T19:13:25.968-05:00An EternityForever is a long time, and that's how long it feels since I've posted. &nbsp;All is well here in my neck of the woods.&nbsp;I've got a new position at work that's part time working in the office every weekend. &nbsp;Monday's are for recovery, Fridays are for girding my loins for the anxiety my new position doles out and I often pick up extra work the rest of the week. &nbsp;Here and there, anyways.<br /><br />I won't beat around the bush here…I initially came back here tonight to <a href="http://nursingpurls.blogspot.com/search?q=forgiveness"><b><i>revisit a post </i></b></a>I wrote when I said farewell to 2011. &nbsp;The subject of my angst left this world today and while I thought I'd feel relief, I don't. &nbsp;In fact, I've thought of this person more than she deserved in the past month. &nbsp;I wish I could have found forgiveness for her in all of this time, but could not. &nbsp;One sided forgiveness is really difficult and letting things go without getting to clear the air is a very difficult task. &nbsp;As I said back then, it was mainly because it wasn't me who directly owned the problem and the true owner hates conflict. Still, this person's behavior had a long and lasting grasp on our little family. &nbsp;Perhaps it's the pity others expressed toward her plight--themselves having forgotten the pain she gleefully inflicted on others--that bothered me most. &nbsp;I could not forget and I have to say at times I think she got the best of me, even in her impending and subsequent death. &nbsp;Well, it's over for sure now, and time to let her go for good, so I've come to bid her adieux. &nbsp;I hope it's not too hot down there.<br /><br />As I said in 2011, I'm still a work in progress. &nbsp;I'll try better next year.<br /><br />Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-59036542687048460032013-06-25T16:30:00.001-04:002013-06-25T16:30:48.429-04:00They say...That which doesn't kill us makes us stronger.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PocbAu3o_Hs/Ucn8YrLseNI/AAAAAAAAFio/6ZRtuk-HTj4/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PocbAu3o_Hs/Ucn8YrLseNI/AAAAAAAAFio/6ZRtuk-HTj4/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I was almost done in by this project, but finish it I have. &nbsp;I also have tendonitis in my right elbow courtesy of repetitive motion. &nbsp;Though you cannot tell because it's not yet blocked, there are beads, Estonian nupps and miles of lace. &nbsp;OK, I exaggerate...only around 1,300 yards or so. &nbsp;I do believe I'm a stronger knitter because I stuck it out. &nbsp;While Knitty calls this pattern "Piquant", I think it's really "Extra Spicy." &nbsp;Your mileage may vary.<br /><br />Pattern: &nbsp;<a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/KSPATTaeolian.php"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Aeolian</span></b></a><br />Yarn: Findley Dappled lace weight in Wisteria. &nbsp;162 grams<br />Beads: Czech iridescent multi-blues size 8<br />Needles: &nbsp;3.5mm Addi turbo lace<br /><br />Hope you're all well and knitting your summer away!Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-74923186496339067102013-05-12T09:19:00.000-04:002013-05-12T09:21:45.912-04:00Don't think I've ForgottenBecause I haven't.<br /><br />It's Mother's Day. &nbsp;A day to enjoy the flowers and maybe plant a few in the garden; which I totally would if the temperature wasn't at the freezing mark. &nbsp;Two days ago I had on shorts and a tank top and felt I was roasting. &nbsp;Today I'm thankful that though I started to do it, I have not yet put all the wool away.<br /><br />Happy Mother's Day, friends.<br /><br />It's also International Nurse's Day which marks the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth. &nbsp;Happy birthday, Florence, and Happy Nurse's Day to my fellow nurses. &nbsp;This year for nurse's day, I got a raise and a begonia from my employer. &nbsp;You could have knocked me over with a feather! &nbsp;I'd have been satisfied with the plant alone, but don't tell my boss. &nbsp;I'm keeping the raise.<br /><br />Lastly, it's hockey playoff time! &nbsp;I know I haven't mentioned it before today, but I've been watching every Wings game even though I admit to falling asleep before some of them ended even regulation play. &nbsp;Never mind the games that ended in OT. &nbsp;These west coast games are brutal on my sleep schedule and I've had to satisfy myself by checking the score first thing in the morning. &nbsp;Tonight's game 7 against the Quacks starts at 10PM. &nbsp;While I plan on watching, it'll have to wait until after the movie. &nbsp;Sara is taking me to see Jurassic Park on an IMAX screen. &nbsp;I'm fully expecting to be to afraid to sleep after that, so I should be good to watch the game.<br /><br />Go Wings!Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-88796053801748763732013-05-05T14:26:00.004-04:002013-05-05T14:26:55.374-04:00Long time, no see<i>Things. &nbsp;</i><br /><br />Things have finally calmed around here and my loved one, who was the victim of medical negligence that is beyond appalling, is making improvements and is back at home picking up the pieces of his life. &nbsp;I've run the gamut of emotion from fear and grief to anger, but that's all settling down now and life for most everyone is getting back to normal. &nbsp;For one, I think it'll be a new normal, but at least he lived to tell.<br /><br />Tomorrow I'll return to the work that pays me a salary, but this weekend I took for myself as a breather. &nbsp;I don't think I could have picked a finer weekend for regrouping. &nbsp;The weather is cooperating, everything is in bloom and the house is finally getting aired out after our long, drawn out winter. &nbsp;All I can I say is it's about time!<br /><br />My stealth knitting has been on again and quite literally off again, and all I can say is, thank the knitting goddesses for the creation of lifelines and my good sense to use them. &nbsp;Because of distraction, preoccupation and knitting with tears, I've made some pretty horrific and unfixable mistakes. &nbsp;Being able to rip back to a safe spot has fixed all that and it's a back on thing with an extended due date. &nbsp;I am at least half way through and have been given a two month reprieve. &nbsp;It'll be done. &nbsp;And it will be stunning. &nbsp;I wish I'd snapped a picture of it off the needles. &nbsp;As it hung from the lifeline, it was so easy to see just how beautiful it will be.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V-BiB-ieVgo/UYajx8qWezI/AAAAAAAAFh8/ayqDEF4XP7s/s1600/IMG_0918.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V-BiB-ieVgo/UYajx8qWezI/AAAAAAAAFh8/ayqDEF4XP7s/s320/IMG_0918.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Yesterday we had a visit from Miss Rylan, who just turned one in March. &nbsp;She's walking everywhere and kept 3 adults and one dog on their toes for the couple of hours she was visiting. &nbsp;It's been a long time since she last visited, and her time here was a joyful one.<br /><br />I hope you're all well and can forgive my neglect of this space and visits to yours. &nbsp;See you all, soon.<br /><br /><br />Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-24550017033314016672013-04-21T21:38:00.000-04:002013-04-21T21:38:18.133-04:00Dear FriendsI'm back tonight with more <i style="font-weight: bold;">purls </i>of wisdom:<br /><br /><ul><li>When someone you love is critically ill, it's best to stick to Words with Friends or Dice with Buddies on your iPad while in the ICU. &nbsp;Leave the complicated lace at home.</li><li>If you don't heed my words and are as delusional as I seem to be, when you drop a good 8 or more stitches of lace off the needles, don't be surprised when your stitch count is off. &nbsp;You'll either pick up too many or too few and rarely the right amount. &nbsp;Lace is fussy that way.</li><li>Whatever you do, when your stitch count and pattern are off, don't lie to yourself and knit an additional 1,000 stitches. &nbsp;You have to stop and figure out what went wrong and fix it right then and there. &nbsp;It's not going to get better on its own and with this kind of huge mistake, a repair can't be fudged. &nbsp;It'll show.</li><li>Don't worry though because you heeded that voice in your head and put a lifeline in after every chart, right?</li></ul><div>And that right there is the rub. &nbsp;I have one lifeline two charts behind me. &nbsp;Things were going so well that I thought I could get away without frequent lifelines. &nbsp;When I completed one chart after the first lifeline, the thought crossed my mind I should place another, but sometimes they can be a real pain in the ass to do correctly. &nbsp;It's time consuming to thread dental floss through hundreds of stitches without catching markers or going through the wrong part of a stitch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight I ripped out yarn barely thicker than thread. &nbsp;Thousands of stitches. &nbsp;Thousands. Surgery was impossible as I could not read my mistakes and had no clue how I'd compounded the initial error by attempting to fudge, pick up yarnovers that didn't exist, knit more than one stitch together with another...you name it. &nbsp;I guess I wasn't in my right mind. &nbsp;It wasn't reparable in the state I'd worked it, so rip I did. &nbsp;Or should I say we? &nbsp;Believe it or not, it took 2 of us nearly 30 minutes to undo all of those stitches including all of those nupps and beads. &nbsp;On the bright side, seeing a lace project off the needles gives a knitter a good idea of how beautiful the project will be once able to knit again in a good frame of mind.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm down to the lifeline now, but I've worked 20 hours this weekend and I'll be heading back to Ohio tomorrow to lend a hand at the hospital and help pick out a rehab facility, so putting those stitches back on the needles will have to wait.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the future I'll be using lifelines more frequently. &nbsp;In the meantime, I have a message for myself:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qq80ZnYfD-M/UXSPA-nCKlI/AAAAAAAAFhk/UC4bSsMW5zk/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qq80ZnYfD-M/UXSPA-nCKlI/AAAAAAAAFhk/UC4bSsMW5zk/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Threading a lifeline takes much less time than re-knitting thousands of stitches.</div>Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-6096764640514530402013-04-20T22:01:00.000-04:002013-04-20T22:01:22.040-04:00I've been waiting to exhaleI have a story to tell, but since it's not mine, I won't. &nbsp;I am going to say a couple of things here which should paint a good enough picture:<br /><br />1. &nbsp;Time = Brain<br /><br />2. &nbsp;If you aren't happy with your treatment, get thee to another hospital. &nbsp;ASAP.<br /><br />3. &nbsp;Choose the most assertive person you know to be your voice when yours is lost.<br /><br />4. &nbsp;Or suffer the consequences.<br /><br /><br /><i>It's been a tough week here and our little family is suffering the consequences. &nbsp;I'm really sad to learn that in some emergency rooms, "treat 'em and street 'em" is still an acceptable way to push patients through, or in this case, out of the system.</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>It's a damned shame</i>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-10078885320007254632013-04-14T18:44:00.003-04:002013-04-14T18:44:33.190-04:00Shhh. I'm counting!Feeling overly worried about my son being all alone a few weeks ago, I sprang for a flight to California and sent my daughter to visit her brother. &nbsp;I think they're making the most of it. &nbsp;I've had sunset photos, swimming pool photos, food photos and this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-neYNaVoKXFM/UWstc4WcfaI/AAAAAAAAFhU/cULVrdhWC18/s1600/IMG_1435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-neYNaVoKXFM/UWstc4WcfaI/AAAAAAAAFhU/cULVrdhWC18/s320/IMG_1435.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />Sure, it's a Padre's game and not the Tigers, but it sure looks like it's warmer there for baseball than it is in Detroit where going to a game without a down coat is downright foolish. &nbsp;I am holding out hope for Spring as I did see the sun peek out today and the high is about 45 degrees. &nbsp;It's supposed to be 67 tomorrow, but as usual, I'll believe it when I see it!<br /><br />I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Sara decided to move out there with her brother. &nbsp;However, I'm not driving. &nbsp;I'll pay someone, anyone really, to make that trip in my stead! &nbsp;Even if that means forgoing the chicken fried steak in Oklahoma, I'm not going to drive cross country again in an itty-bitty car.<br /><br />I wonder how long it will take her to decide it's time to make a move.<br /><br />On the topic of stealth knitting, I've made it through most of the transitional chart of the piece and have one new row that includes nupps (rhymes with soups). &nbsp;Now a nupp is an interesting textural stitch common to Estonian knitting that is made by creating 5,7 or 9 stitches out of one and stitching them all back together as one stitch on the return row. &nbsp;The shawls from that region were prized for their beauty, but purchased by weight. &nbsp;Want to make a lace weight shawl weigh more? &nbsp;Create nupps.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DRGVsd3Hy4M" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />Tonight will mark the first appearance of nupps in my knitting. &nbsp;I am finding myself thankful that I bought two balls of that yarn and not one. &nbsp;I'm also thankful that as the nupps appear, the beading slows down.Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-13142460267445120212013-04-13T11:26:00.001-04:002013-04-13T11:26:24.945-04:00The not so happy hooker...Technically speaking, I have 5 weeks to finish <b><span style="color: #b4a7d6;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/rudeek">my stealth knitting</a>&nbsp;</span></b>(if you want to see it, you'll have to deduce where it is on that page. &nbsp;I figure the recipient won't go looking). &nbsp;One would think five weeks is quite enough time, but things are getting in the way. &nbsp;Things like earning a paycheck, entertaining the dog, cleaning the never ending dust bunnies, laundry, and eating (which requires shopping and cooking). &nbsp;You know. &nbsp;Life. &nbsp;The list of tasks are endless.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Do8aXmu8TLM/UWl27x0ZvZI/AAAAAAAAFhE/bZbt2yLaebY/s1600/photo+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Do8aXmu8TLM/UWl27x0ZvZI/AAAAAAAAFhE/bZbt2yLaebY/s320/photo+copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I have a good 300 stitches on the needles now, and it's growing. &nbsp;By the time I finish the next 12 rows, there should be 413 stitches. &nbsp;Still, it will grow. &nbsp;As I approached the completion of the first 12 repeats of chart 1, I threw up a poll on Ravelry. &nbsp;Should I continue to bead, or stop beading in the midsection and pick it back up at the end? &nbsp;The consensus seemed to think I was being a whiny knitter and should continue what I'd started and maintain beading throughout. &nbsp;Some felt that since I was creating what will surely be an heirloom, I shouldn't sell it short.<br /><br />I decided the hive mind was correct. &nbsp;I <b><i><u>was </u></i></b>being whiny. It's so tedious!<br /><br />The beads are added one at a time by placing them on the tiniest crochet hook first. &nbsp;The hook only holds 3 size 8/0 seed beads at a time and rather precariously at that. &nbsp;If I hold the hook any way but upright, the beads fall off. &nbsp;The sofa cushion is likely a treasure trove of beads right now. &nbsp;If I run short, I'm going bead hunting there before I go back to the bead store. &nbsp;Anyways, don't tell Dr. K, but against professional advice, I have been using my teeth as tools when I hold the hook there between bead applications. &nbsp;Hopefully I won't break any because I don't have time for a dentist right now!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_r1LEYbSu-8" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><br />Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-74937308659544267062013-04-08T10:53:00.000-04:002013-04-08T10:53:33.104-04:00MIA?Not really. &nbsp;Stealth knitting has consumed my time! Between work (it was my weekend to do so) and this, I've not had much room for anything else.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T9-VcUR7KeU/UWLY-Q_sEZI/AAAAAAAAFgs/vh72baSTaHc/s1600/photo+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T9-VcUR7KeU/UWLY-Q_sEZI/AAAAAAAAFgs/vh72baSTaHc/s400/photo+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have, of course, made time for this, too:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VltJvlHgBYw/UWLZMcQZzVI/AAAAAAAAFg0/G3moaLCzGC8/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VltJvlHgBYw/UWLZMcQZzVI/AAAAAAAAFg0/G3moaLCzGC8/s400/images.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hail yeah!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>Go Blue!</b></span></div>Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-22589318682332889102013-03-22T15:09:00.001-04:002013-03-22T15:09:28.841-04:00Moving alongHot on the heels of my bright red socks, I found<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/texelle-chunky-shawl"> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">a shawl pattern</span></b></a>. &nbsp;The moment I saw the pattern, and pushed the button to purchase, I knew exactly which yarn I'd use: Madelinetosh DK in red, red, red! Well you know what they say about plans...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sjUn3g_4ZH4/UUyq81eZnBI/AAAAAAAAFgc/j83bZSAYwlU/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sjUn3g_4ZH4/UUyq81eZnBI/AAAAAAAAFgc/j83bZSAYwlU/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />I went upstairs to grab that red yarn and instead pulled out Louisa Harding's Thistle in the color, Stone. It's a blended yarn with merino wool and suri alpaca. &nbsp;It's soft, drapes and will be really warm. There was plenty of yarn there as I'd originally purchased enough to knit a sweater. &nbsp;In fact, I might have enough to knit two shawls. &nbsp;I cast on last night and while I think I'm half way through the pattern, as the shawl grows by 4 stitches every other row, I know I'm not halfway through knitting. &nbsp;Those rows are already more than 100 stitches long.&nbsp;This, well it may take awhile, but the yarn and the pattern are wonderful, so it's not exactly a hardship.<br /><br />It's nice to realize that if my knitting mojo disappears once in awhile, it's always a temporary situation.<br /><br />This weekend, I'm making up for a long stretch of days I just finished working by celebrating a 4 day stretch of laying low. &nbsp;In fact, I'm proud of myself for turning them down this morning when they tried to cajole me into changing out of my pajamas and going in to "lend a hand." &nbsp;Instead of that, I'm continuing with my plan to work my way through this year's Oscar nominated movies I've yet to see. <br /><br />Today's fare is Zero Dark Thirty and knitting.<br /><br />Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-86155028813127643372013-03-19T23:56:00.000-04:002013-03-19T23:57:28.012-04:00Ta-da!I'd take photos outside to show you the true color of these socks, but frankly it's way too cold to go outside without sherpa lined boots. &nbsp;I could wait until it's warm &nbsp;to do it, but they're done today and I wanted to show off my Papal Conclave Socks. Besides, who knows when it'll be warm again? &nbsp;Right this minutes, it's only 28 degrees with a wind chill factor that makes it feel like it's only 19 degrees out there. &nbsp;The winds today were brutal. &nbsp;Suffice it to say my woolen goods have had a workout this month. &nbsp;So has my umbrella and the shovel. &nbsp;That filthy rodent in Punxsutawney is a liar. &nbsp;Early spring, my foot!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">But I digress, and would rather talk about my red feet. &nbsp;My two red feet.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eSdaaBI2nTo/UUktpf2FglI/AAAAAAAAFgE/cMeS47cr0Q8/s1600/photo+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eSdaaBI2nTo/UUktpf2FglI/AAAAAAAAFgE/cMeS47cr0Q8/s320/photo+copy.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the second sock only, and it is important to point out that there is a second sock in the first place, there is a little flair...courtesy of some smartly placed purl stitches.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2iC_PuirI8/UUktr-3IJdI/AAAAAAAAFgM/59JyVqocWlQ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L2iC_PuirI8/UUktr-3IJdI/AAAAAAAAFgM/59JyVqocWlQ/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I couldn't help myself. &nbsp;It just seemed right.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-2131268387978664112013-03-13T10:51:00.001-04:002013-03-13T10:54:04.295-04:00Variations in RedThe Papal Conclave socks in Vatican Pie are coming along. &nbsp;In fact, I can truly use the plural form of the word sock as one is now complete and the second is on the needles. &nbsp;There will be SOCKS! &nbsp;I may not beat the Conclave to the finish, but this is a good development toward completion of a pair, which is nice because I have two feet.<br /><br />Last night, as I was coming to the toe of my sock, I veered away from the normal Kitchener stitch toe for a bit of flash. &nbsp;I consulted my Nancy Bush book, Folk Socks, and put a star on the tip of the sock. &nbsp;I tried to take a picture of the toe bling I created, but instead of showing off my stitch work, the sock looks like a snake. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EVI8106refo/UUCSH69p5GI/AAAAAAAAFfs/0-wkINGDorU/s1600/photo+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EVI8106refo/UUCSH69p5GI/AAAAAAAAFfs/0-wkINGDorU/s320/photo+copy.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><br />I like it. &nbsp;If I ever give up nursing for a living, I can become a sock puppeteer. <br /><br />Over the past week I've shown you a couple of pictures of my socks and yarn that show off that rich red color. &nbsp;What appears to be a completely saturated and solid red clearly is not once it's knit up. &nbsp;This was such a surprise to me, but I'm enjoying my many faceted Papal socks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGEz_IW2a3w/UUCSOeMJhDI/AAAAAAAAFf0/6Cgr3wFhGX4/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGEz_IW2a3w/UUCSOeMJhDI/AAAAAAAAFf0/6Cgr3wFhGX4/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I'm a little uncertain about yardage. &nbsp;I wasn't worried until I started the foot of the sock, which seemed to go on forever. &nbsp;I have big feet. &nbsp;US size 10. &nbsp;About 2/3 of the way through the foot, I took out my scale and weighed all of the yarn. &nbsp;First I weighed the sock alone and then I threw the ball of yarn on the scale with it. &nbsp;Together it came to 110 grams, including the needles, which don't weigh much at all. &nbsp;The ball alone weighed &nbsp;74 grams and I convinced myself I shouldn't worried. &nbsp;There would be a pair of matching completed socks. &nbsp;After the sock was done and I'd taken pictures of the snake, I weighed the finished sock alone at 54 grams and the remainder of the ball of yarn weighs 62 grams. &nbsp;Combined they weigh 116 grams and no needles were weighed. &nbsp;Apparently something is off and it may be the scale!<br /><br />There are only two things to do...Pray for the Conclave and knit faster!<br /><br />Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-39339627001407344532013-03-09T14:27:00.000-05:002013-03-09T14:30:25.852-05:00Simply Red<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQFyhbQtyPQ/UTuJiLbUc1I/AAAAAAAAFfM/CSgWZwSXs7o/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQFyhbQtyPQ/UTuJiLbUc1I/AAAAAAAAFfM/CSgWZwSXs7o/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><br />I won't say balance is completely restored, but I'm getting there. &nbsp;I wound the sock yarn last night and was pleased I didn't feel or see any weak spots, holes or splits...a harbinger of moths. &nbsp;It is old. So far, so good. &nbsp;The next issue was to settle on a pattern. &nbsp;And I did. <b><span style="color: red;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wayward-socks">Wayward, by Cookie A</a></span></b>. &nbsp;I bought the pattern, downloaded it into my Goodreader App and began looking at other Wayward projects on Ravelry. <br /><div><br /></div><div>I got a little worried that it was totally the wrong pattern for my cluttered mind. &nbsp;I needed a simple--knit with my eyes closed--pattern. &nbsp;Wayward is anything but. &nbsp;The second issue that bothered me is that the pattern calls for about 400 yards and while new hanks of Jitterbug may come with that yardage, my semi-vintage Jitterbug does not. &nbsp;It has around 300 yards. &nbsp;I didn't want to throw caution to the wind and come up short on a yarn I can't find to supplement. &nbsp;Instead I went with a plain sock, which is really OK since the yarn is certainly loud enough without suddenly sprouting peacock feathers to show off even more.</div><div><br /></div><div>With luck, I'll finish the first papal sock before the conclave even begins.<br /><br />And, yes, my yarn is really all&nbsp;<i><b>that</b></i>&nbsp;red and more!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zTcu7MCtuTs" width="420"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br />Question of the day:<br /><br />How does a white man from England sing soul so well? &nbsp;While I still prefer Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes singing this song, Simply Red produces a more than acceptable version.<br /><br /></div>Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-40811551577044708952013-03-08T14:09:00.003-05:002013-03-08T14:13:14.708-05:00Spam and change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IwF-OuvnQaw/UToygatoz-I/AAAAAAAAFeE/pzYehZMV80k/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IwF-OuvnQaw/UToygatoz-I/AAAAAAAAFeE/pzYehZMV80k/s320/images.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Not the stuff in a can, though that's just wrong, too, but the comments in my blogger spam folder, comments awaiting moderation and comments that slip through.<br /><br /><i>To my spammers, I'm truly not interested in seeing pictures of naked teens, better blog platforms, your discounted gucci purses or allowing a total stranger with a questionable website to write a guest post on my blog. &nbsp;Go the hell away. &nbsp;Because of you, I am, sadly, considering making this a fully moderated site.&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>I'm this &gt;|&lt; close! &nbsp;Seriously. &nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><i>To ward off these persistent cockroaches of the blogging world, I've changed my settings to moderate all posts older than a week and have eliminated anonymous comments. &nbsp;I try to be careful when going through comments to ascertain I've deleted only the spam, but I'm fairly sure I've deleted a legitimate comment or two here and there. &nbsp;I'm sorry for that if I've accidentally deleted what any reader here has had to say because I do care and I do read and appreciate all of your comments.</i><br /><br />OK, I think I'm done ranting now, though suggestions to foil this slime are truly welcome.<br /><br />Please forgive my absence. &nbsp;I've been in a bit of a funk since returning home from California. &nbsp;At first I thought it was a minor case of fatigue. &nbsp;We did so much in such a little amount of time and I thought all the running around finally caught up with me. &nbsp;Now I know it isn't the fatigue since I've made up for my sleep deprivation.<br /><br />I think I've got a case of the blues. <br /><br />I wouldn't call it depression, per se, but instead, a bit of sadness or melancholy. &nbsp;Change will do that, I guess, and I'm surrounded by considerable change, both at home and professionally. &nbsp;It's the double whammy. &nbsp;I've paid the price in losing interest in pretty much everything that brings me joy: cooking, cleaning, shopping, knitting, socializing, blogging and my ridiculous dog.<br /><br />One change I would welcome, would be a break in the weather, but that lying groundhog has not delivered in the prognostication department. &nbsp;Winter is clinging to southeastern Michigan with a tenacity that only serves to annoy and make me moody. &nbsp;The winter weather skipped us last year &nbsp;and we suffered for it in terms of our apple, cherry and peach crops, not to mention other produce. &nbsp;We can't have it both ways, can we? &nbsp;Spring can't be far off though and this is the weekend we fast forward one hour to prepare.&nbsp;Even though I'll lose an hour, I do have a 3 day stretch off so it shouldn't be too much of a hardship to adjust. To celebrate the coming of more daylight, I set aside the drab blue yarn that's followed me all winter and went hunting for something bright to welcome this change.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7cuhW0qFdw/UTo0mhTXpwI/AAAAAAAAFeU/QhorDlvPW9o/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7cuhW0qFdw/UTo0mhTXpwI/AAAAAAAAFeU/QhorDlvPW9o/s400/photo.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I discovered the perfect foil to what's been boring me to tears. Is there anything more suitable than this find? &nbsp;It's Jitterbug, by Colinette. &nbsp;The color? &nbsp;<i>Vatican Pie</i>. &nbsp;How fitting in terms of timing, retiring popes, and conclaves. &nbsp;This yarn has been in my stash for 9 years. &nbsp;NINE! I don't even know if Colinette makes it anymore. &nbsp;It's time for Vatican Pie to meet a pair of size 1 double points and become an outrageous pair of bright red socks.<br /><br />Wouldn't you agree?<br /><br /><br /><br />Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-73408996242166291862013-02-24T13:25:00.000-05:002013-02-24T13:25:42.783-05:00So much to do, so little time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23ZdfEA66_k/USpXnI6mnVI/AAAAAAAAFc4/bCmcs0MVypI/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-23ZdfEA66_k/USpXnI6mnVI/AAAAAAAAFc4/bCmcs0MVypI/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />As I boarded Delta's flight out of San Diego yesterday, I had a plan to use my 4 hours in captivity catching up on all of your blog posts I've missed. &nbsp;I never got to it and today there are 286 posts I haven't read. &nbsp;Oy. Goodness knows I didn't have time while I ran all over San Diego finding first an apartment, then moving in, waiting for ATT-Uverse, buying furniture, buying essentials like food, cleaning supplies, uniforms and doing the backflips the DMV makes one do when moving to another state. &nbsp;You get the picture--we had full dance cards daily. &nbsp;The problem with my plan to catch up when in the air is that while planes do have wifi now, it's not that good. &nbsp;In total frustration, I gave up. &nbsp;Instead I read, The Last Man, by, Vince Flynn, while knitting a square on the roll. &nbsp;I have each square down to about 3 to 4 hours now. &nbsp;Still, it'll take a good 200 hours of work to make enough for a blanket. <br /><br />I cried about 4 times yesterday. &nbsp;Once in the airport, twice on the plane, and once when my husband met me at the gate when I landed (he works in the airport so he can meet me there). &nbsp;When I think about it, for all of my blathering on to others about how important it is to embrace change, I'm not at that good about doing it myself. &nbsp;I don't plan to do anything about this little character issue, except to accept that this is who I am and find a healthy way to channel the anxiety this creates.<br /><br />He's moved on and I either accept and find ways to accumulate frequent flyer miles or sit around moping. &nbsp;Kicking, screaming and tantrums really won't work to fix the way I feel on the inside.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_6Whj1Xse-k/USpX6pFjibI/AAAAAAAAFdI/PTmci3GEIfY/s1600/photo+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_6Whj1Xse-k/USpX6pFjibI/AAAAAAAAFdI/PTmci3GEIfY/s320/photo+copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />While we didn't really have an opportunity to site-see, we did take time to go for a drive or two along the coast. &nbsp; He's living on the edge of La Jolla, just a few miles from the beach, so we drove there and to Pacific Beach for an early dinner. &nbsp;That was right before that front moved through that ultimately became the storm that hit the midsection and dumped all that snow.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nUng4kLIwpg/USpZhPvYnNI/AAAAAAAAFdY/PRfK-mNZYZ0/s1600/photo+copy+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nUng4kLIwpg/USpZhPvYnNI/AAAAAAAAFdY/PRfK-mNZYZ0/s320/photo+copy+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo was not eye level. &nbsp;It was taken looking down from a second story perch. &nbsp;Those waves were high and there were many surfers braving the chilly ocean temperatures.</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;The waves were impressive as the front approached, though we didn't really see them at their peak. &nbsp;The rain that followed conveniently did so during the night and was equally impressive. &nbsp;We did make it to Coronado for lunch one day. &nbsp;The weather was glorious, if not a little cool. &nbsp;Still, even though it was chilly, the sun was shining, which is more than I can say for Detroit. &nbsp;Old Town San Diego and The Gas Lamp will have to wait for our next visit in August when we visit for his graduation from the academy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vousocb2OXg/USpXvYSb_QI/AAAAAAAAFdA/-uKXpJ8IN6M/s1600/photo+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vousocb2OXg/USpXvYSb_QI/AAAAAAAAFdA/-uKXpJ8IN6M/s320/photo+copy+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />I hope you're all well and I promise, I plan on catching up today.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lSr87p7hu4/USpYGxZiBTI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/kllX8-wWc4A/s1600/photo+copy+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_lSr87p7hu4/USpYGxZiBTI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/kllX8-wWc4A/s320/photo+copy+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />FYI, we flew over that front that's headed this way. &nbsp;Let me just say for those in the path: &nbsp;get thee to the grocer and also make sure there's fuel for the snowblower.Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-90328860949943276702013-02-16T21:18:00.001-05:002013-02-16T21:18:36.358-05:00From the road's end<br />My son and I took off late on Wednesday and arrived in San Diego today only slightly worse for the wear. We checked into our hotel after an afternoon of apartment hunting, and now I find myself wondering if I'm going to be able to bear the loud mouthed teenager in the pool all night long. It's around 80 degrees here and will be cooler tomorrow. With luck, the loud mouth will be out of the pool soon, isn't in an adjacent room tonight and will find the high temp of 65 degrees tomorrow to be too cold for the pool.<br /><br />Tomorrow we will resume apartment hunting, though it's all obscenely expensive and we should just get it over with and make a decision. There is one strong contender. &nbsp;It's a wee little apartment and I'm deep in shock over what you don't get for the money here, but it's in a nice area within walking distance of shops, restaurants and is near the ocean.<br /><br />Posting from my iPad could be fussy, but I thought you'd like to know where we've been. We drove from Michigan, through Illinois &amp; Indiana and have seen parts of The Mother Road in Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. &nbsp;We have run over tumbleweed, seen more trains than we could count, and ate the best chicken fried steak in a Route 66 diner in Oklahoma. &nbsp;I had my doubts when the waitress brought me a plate of beige food covered in white gravy, but take my word, it was delicious. I think it was called Clayton's, or some such thing. I will also forever dream of the fresh potato chips I inhaled in a steakhouse in Amarillo. They were sublime. Last night we had dinner in Sedona after a white knuckled rim drive down a mountain and while it was delicious, I was too exhausted to really appreciate the food.<br /><br />Pictures later, as I really don't have the energy to fight with this device, and I left my laptop behind. &nbsp;Hope you're all well. I might have a chance to catch up a bit tomorrow.Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-27199616116527875262013-02-05T20:59:00.000-05:002013-02-05T20:59:52.694-05:00Any way the wind blowsI'm a little winter weary, though I'm not complaining. We do need the snow for our summer crops. &nbsp;I just wish it would fall all at once and be done with it. &nbsp;Instead we're getting those little Alberta Clippers that blow through town leaving a few inches of snow in their wake. &nbsp;One. Right. After. The. Other. &nbsp;Every other day brings a couple of fresh inches of snow that seems to have an affinity for beginning right during the morning rush, or if that's not possible, then the evening rush hour. &nbsp;It's so convenient! &nbsp;Not!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hThLNgbmu2E/URG3esg5asI/AAAAAAAAFcI/U5ybfRrLejA/s1600/470_265_130205222800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hThLNgbmu2E/URG3esg5asI/AAAAAAAAFcI/U5ybfRrLejA/s320/470_265_130205222800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />The beach is sounding particularly good to me right now.<br /><br />But one should always take care when wishing right? &nbsp;A beach will indeed be in my near future as Brian will be leaving Michigan sooner than later. &nbsp;The bad thing is we'll be traveling by car 2, 700 miles to get there (35 hours of driving). &nbsp;I think the recruiter's mind is finally made up and hopefully he won't change it again. &nbsp;At least I hope not as I'm booking my return flight tonight. &nbsp;It's non-refundable and costing a king's ransom since it's such short notice. &nbsp;If I want refundable, it would cost me an extra $645, which is kind of crazy. &nbsp;And while I'm on the subject of airway robbery, why is a one way trip home $400, but a round trip is $437? &nbsp;I'm perplexed.<br /><br />We'll leave the middle of next week so he has time to take care of business, like getting a California driver's license and plates for his car, uniforms, a place to live and furniture to sit and sleep on.<br /><br />I'm taking stock, trying to stay calm and considering what knitting I'll need for this long, long ride.<br /><br />Socks.<br />The never ending sweater.<br />My Downton Abbey gauntlets<br />My Squares on the Roll blanket<br />Something different in case I'm bored with the above.<br /><br />And lots and lots of tissues. &nbsp;Tears will be involved with this adventure. &nbsp;We haven't left yet and I'm already feeling verklempt.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-11334515473322790652013-02-02T16:44:00.000-05:002013-02-02T16:44:04.444-05:00Where I actually talk about knittingWell I'm not on the road to California quite yet. &nbsp;While we thought we'd have to leave sometime soon, he isn't due to start his new job now until May. &nbsp;That means our grueling road trip can wait until April, and we can make the journey during tornado season instead of the snowy one. &nbsp;Hmmm. &nbsp;Somehow I think I prefer slippery conditions to traversing Tornado Alley, Oklahoma. &nbsp;How do people live with that every year?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr7dPddTl6M/UQ2Hczks-MI/AAAAAAAAFbc/RbIpHvK4bwA/s1600/photo+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr7dPddTl6M/UQ2Hczks-MI/AAAAAAAAFbc/RbIpHvK4bwA/s320/photo+copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I've not been knitting a lot lately, or at least it hasn't seemed like a lot, but maybe it really is. &nbsp;I'm participating in the Ravelry KAL in the Jimmy Beans Wool group. &nbsp;We're knitting gauntlets for the Downton Abbey knit along. &nbsp;We're halfway through season 3 of Downton Abbey and halfway through the project. &nbsp;I have one mitt to show for it and I'm hoping I took good enough notes. &nbsp;I knit as directed for the arm, but once I got to the wrist, I thought it too loose and made decreases to fit my hand. &nbsp;I did not use the Lorna's Laces specially died yarn, but chose instead some Madelinetosh Pashmina from the stash. &nbsp;It's beautiful, and if I may say so myself, a little better suited to lace. &nbsp;The striped Downton Abbey yarn seemed a little busy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DNSVj2Lxa9Q/UQ2HHnF76NI/AAAAAAAAFbM/UX2Qto6GJ2g/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DNSVj2Lxa9Q/UQ2HHnF76NI/AAAAAAAAFbM/UX2Qto6GJ2g/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br /><br />I'm also still working on that never ending sweater from late last year. &nbsp;Every day, I knit a repeat of the cabled hem. &nbsp;It's boring, monotonous, mundane, but, oh, it's pretty and clever. &nbsp;Someday I'll finish. &nbsp;Just in time for warm weather, I'm sure.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8BqWgN5xco/UQ2HZ0linYI/AAAAAAAAFbU/F9omjuDxyC8/s1600/photo+copy+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8BqWgN5xco/UQ2HZ0linYI/AAAAAAAAFbU/F9omjuDxyC8/s320/photo+copy+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />In the middle of all of that, the remnants of some Blue Moon Fiber Arts BFL sport yarn in Ravenscroft was calling my name. &nbsp;I had 80 grams left after knitting a shawl, but just let it sit until it spoke to me. &nbsp;That was Monday night. &nbsp;I read a recent Yarn Harlot post about her knitting her daughter a Wurm hat. &nbsp;I have one myself already and it's my go-to hat all winter long. &nbsp;It felt right. &nbsp;That's what that yarn wanted to be. &nbsp;I cast on with abandon and prayed there would be enough. &nbsp;I'm two repeats away from casting off and I have 24 grams of yarn left. &nbsp;Wish me luck. &nbsp;I'll be heartbroken if there isn't enough.<br /><br />That's it from Detroit where once again, it's snowing. Shocking, I know. &nbsp;It's been warm, cold, rainy, blustery, snowy,windy and bitterly cold here, all in the span of a week. &nbsp;Since that rodent in Pennsylvania did not see his shadow, &nbsp;maybe we will get a reprieve from this whacky winter weather soon. &nbsp;I'll not hold my breath.<br /><br /><br />Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-23751103894597958252013-01-21T21:11:00.001-05:002013-01-21T21:11:16.295-05:00Careful what you pray forSomeone in my family had good news this week. &nbsp;After a two year search, and a gazillion interviews, our son has landed the job of his dreams. &nbsp;In southern California. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">I know. &nbsp;I'm sad.</span><br /><br />A road trip is called for! &nbsp;By February 1st, we will pack what's reasonable to carry into a Ford Focus--after the golf clubs, that won't be much--and we'll head first south, and then west. &nbsp;<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I hope he packs hankies.</span> I don't think we can handle the more direct route through the mountains in the heart of winter, so we'll follow the trail of The Mother Road. &nbsp;Route 66.&nbsp;I'm already looking for diners along the route that we simply can't miss, and landmarks we shouldn't. <br /><br />I can't quite believe I'm doing another cross country trip by car in less than 6 months. &nbsp;At least I get to fly home at the end of this one. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Though I'm sure I won't want to leave him there.</span><br /><br />Oh, hell. &nbsp;I can't think about that...<br /><br />Nope. &nbsp;Can't go there yet. &nbsp;I'd rather focus on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and an amazing soundtrack.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tg2EbJy-9dc" width="420"></iframe>Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-22305452118599295402013-01-19T11:46:00.001-05:002013-01-19T11:46:33.785-05:00When life isn't fairOf all the things one can catch, I can think of many that are better than what I caught this week. &nbsp;I mean catching fireflies is fun, so is catching the right mate. Catching your plane on time can take you away to places exotic, warm and beautiful.<br /><br />Catching the flu? &nbsp;Not so great.<br /><br />Despite my best efforts at avoidance, like getting vaccinated, eating well, being clean and washing my hands all of the time, I have contracted influenza. &nbsp;Everything hurts, including my hair follicles and I have a persistent fever that despite taking ibuprofen in prescription strength, hasn't budged from 101 degrees. &nbsp;I am the third person in my home who has been brought low by the flu, even though we all had our vaccines. &nbsp;I'm sure we're dealing with a strain that wasn't in the shot. &nbsp;We were each one miserable.<br /><br />This all started Thursday and it's not too late for me to get Tamiflu...if I could only stand upright long enough to get up, get dressed, go to urgent care and let someone stick a swab down my nose. &nbsp;Dying sounds preferable to all of that.<br /><br />What a miserable little virus!Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-34788625961269254332012-12-31T22:45:00.000-05:002012-12-31T22:45:02.605-05:00When negatives make a positiveI'm making one self indulgent and empowering resolution this year. &nbsp;I'm not talking about my expanding waist size, or other physical problems I may have. &nbsp; Last year, my attempts to let go and be a forgiving human being were fairly successful. &nbsp;Of course I endeavored to forgive just one person, so maybe that's why it worked out so well. &nbsp;I didn't take on the Universe. &nbsp;Just one annoying occupant and for the most part, the moment I let her go in my mind, I've barely given her a thought. <br /><br />This year, my sole resolution is to embrace the word, no. <br /><br />No. <br /><br />Usually thought of as something negative, the word, no, &nbsp;can be a positive if you learn how to use it to your benefit and as a complete sentence. &nbsp;Can you work today? &nbsp;No. &nbsp;How about the next 4 days in a row because I was incredibly shortsighted and didn't plan for a dearth of nurses even though I'm the one who gave them all that time off? &nbsp;No. &nbsp;All by itself, it's an answer that requires no further adjectives, verbs or nouns. &nbsp;Not, no, I'm busy. Or tired. Or sick. Or overwhelmed. &nbsp;Just, No. I will grant you that the only way it's positive is if <b><i><u>I</u></i></b> count it as thus. &nbsp;For instance, months ago, I set my schedule and worked full time ahead of the holiday so<b><i><u> I</u></i></b> could afford to take the entire week off between Christmas and New Year's Day. &nbsp;When my boss begged me to work extra this week, I capitulated, allowed myself to be cajoled, and worked an additional 20 hours I'd not planned to work while she went on vacation. &nbsp;Who's the fool? &nbsp;Me. &nbsp;Today I'm exhausted and feel completely empty after a marathon stretch of days triaging the problems of the sick. &nbsp;Changing from full time to contingent this past year was to benefit me, not others, but I'm allowing myself to feel pressured to say yes all of the &nbsp;time. &nbsp;Well, not anymore. &nbsp;As of this moment forward, if it doesn't fit into my schedule, I will allow myself to say <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">NO</span></i></b> to my heart's content. &nbsp;If this decision is thought to be selfish, well, so be it. &nbsp;If I don't see to my own well being and sanity, who will?<br /><br />While I fully realize that this can be perceived as a negative at a time I'm supposed to be positive and looking forward, I kind of think that making time for myself <b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">is</span></u></i></b> positive, and learning to use the word, <b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">NO</span></u></i></b>, &nbsp;liberally, &nbsp;is a good way to start my year.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bSZwY33LEq0/UOJZIzir_CI/AAAAAAAAFag/bOyVnc7psQA/s1600/481600_571612236185443_1821004545_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bSZwY33LEq0/UOJZIzir_CI/AAAAAAAAFag/bOyVnc7psQA/s1600/481600_571612236185443_1821004545_n.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Happy New Year, my friends. &nbsp;And if you have any advice on how to say <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">no</span></i></b> whilst making it sound like a positive thing, I'm all ears!<br /><br />Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-66583395286324787982012-12-29T18:54:00.001-05:002012-12-29T18:54:18.558-05:00Wolf in sheep's clothing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Djs5po2VM6Q/UN-BU13v69I/AAAAAAAAFZ4/epZebrk2YOo/s1600/photo+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Djs5po2VM6Q/UN-BU13v69I/AAAAAAAAFZ4/epZebrk2YOo/s400/photo+copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Oh, OK, it's really just Leo wrapped in a fake sherpa blanket he got for Christmas. &nbsp;I thought you'd like to see what goes on around here while I'm hard at work.<br /><br />Nothing.<br /><br />Note to self: &nbsp;Take lessons from the dog.<br /><br /><br />Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-68591122139402264972012-12-26T11:01:00.000-05:002012-12-26T11:01:28.406-05:00Holiday RecapLet me sum up...<br /><br />The food, which nearly cooked itself, was good and the brand new meat thermometer worked very well. &nbsp;There is a story there, but the overly proud cook who resides in my psyche is still smarting too much from the Thanksgiving turkey fiasco to even discuss that much. &nbsp;Suffice it to say, I think the new thermometer will preclude the need for therapy. &nbsp;There was time enough yesterday to lolly-gag and play with Christmas presents throughout the day ( I really appreciated my new dry shampoo and the fact I didn't have to wash my hair before company came). &nbsp;Wine, good wine, was consumed, but not by anyone in excess (maybe this alone kept people from noticing I had not washed my hair). &nbsp;No feelings were hurt and no tears were shed, unless you count Leo, who cried because &nbsp;he was jailed for playing too roughly with a two year old. &nbsp;It all started over a ball. &nbsp;Laughter made the rounds of the rooms and I think we all had a really great time. &nbsp;Even the weather cooperated by depositing enough snow to make it a white Christmas, but not enough to throw a monkey wrench into holiday travels.<br /><br />Was this my family holiday? &nbsp;Someone better pinch me to be sure I didn't sleep through Christmas!<br /><br />I haven't had a great tale of woe on a holiday since Mr. Larger Than Life passed on. &nbsp;I don't miss the drama, but I've been trying to put my finger on what's different, and I think this is it. &nbsp;We had ham yesterday, which would have thrilled him up until the moment he discovered it wasn't full of nitrites, processed, smoked, covered in sugary goo or overly salty. &nbsp;What we did have was fresh, covered in rosemary, garlic and olive oil and went rather well with the sweet and sour cabbage, mashed potatoes and homemade applesauce. &nbsp;He would have hated that meal. &nbsp;We consumed it with gusto!<br /><br />Tonight I'm finally starting that Squares on a Roll workshop at my local yarn store. &nbsp;I'm beyond excited, but rather realistic, too. &nbsp;I'm betting the weather will not play nicely and the northern end of that storm will deposit too much snow for even knitters to deal with. &nbsp;I live within walking distance of the shop, but I know others don't, so we'll have to see what happens. &nbsp;Just in case, I'm going to spend some time looking for the yarn I put away "in a safe place" for this class.<br /><br /><br />Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-2680628088500776082012-12-24T08:39:00.000-05:002012-12-24T08:39:00.051-05:00Merry Christmas<a href="http://www.picgifs.com/graphics/" target="_blank"><img alt="Click here for more graphics and gifs!" border="0" src="http://www.picgifs.com/graphics/c/christmas-glitter/graphics-christmas-glitter-120133.gif" /></a> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />"I heard the bells on Christmas Day<br />Their old, familiar carols play,<br />And Wild and sweet the words repeat<br />Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"<br /><br />~Longfellow<br /><br />Thank you for visiting this past year. I treasure the friendships I've made here. Have a wonderful holiday.Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6810714864765099820.post-77252063121315972672012-12-22T20:54:00.000-05:002012-12-22T20:54:00.037-05:00Time! I need time!That's what Bilbo said to Gollum, and that's what I find myself saying now. &nbsp;Instead of using three precious hours to even&nbsp;<i>start</i>&nbsp;wrapping holiday gifts, I used it instead to go to the movies with Brian. &nbsp;I spent three hours forgetting my work and the news I've watched for the past 8 days. &nbsp;There isn't enough brain bleach in the world to make the things I've dealt with, seen, read and heard go completely away, but three hours was good. &nbsp;So was the movie. <br /><br />If you're a purist and find yourself disappointed when the script doesn't match the book, you may be a bit let down, but I wasn't. &nbsp;I've read these books many times over the years, including The Silmarillion and the index in the back of The Return of the King. &nbsp;I think parts of both of these were pulled into this tale and it built another story onto the back of The Hobbit. &nbsp;For those who've never read Tolkien's work, the Lord of the Rings movies will likely make more sense once you've seen all of this series.<br /><br />That's enough dawdling. &nbsp;I really must get my butt in gear. &nbsp;I haven't wrapped, I haven't cleaned and as of this moment, no flour has flown through the kitchen. &nbsp;What kind of Christmas would it be without homemade cookies?<br /><br />I hope you're all doing better with time than me.<br /><br />Rudeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17889298704039071473noreply@blogger.com10